OPM allowing Hurricane Harvey donations

The Office of Personnel Management has approved a special solicitation to raise money for Hurricane Harvey victims.

“This special solicitation, which ends Sept. 29, 2017, will allow federal employees and military personnel to assist the disaster relief efforts with cash or check donations outside the normal Combined Federal Campaign (CFC),” according to an OPM announcement.

However, OPM was also careful to note that because the solicitation is outside the CFC, it is up to each federal department or agency is responsible for the oversight and administration of the collection of contributions. “Each agency may determine which 501(c)(3) charity or charities will be permitted on federal property to receive funds and issue receipts through the special solicitation,” OPM said.

OPM will not recommend charities, but federal agencies can check out volunteer efforts on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website.

“Many federal employees have expressed a desire to assist those in need in the region affected by this storm,” said OPM Acting Director Kathy McGettigan.

Hurricane Harvey inflicted widespread damage on the Gulf Coast, and especially Houston, with dozens of deaths reported so far as well many flooded homes and businesses.